According to 2025 research from Circana , the typical American gamer is not a "hyper-enthusiast" who buys every major release. Key findings include:
of players are responsible for the bulk of retail sales, buying more than one game per month. Factors Driving This Behavior buy 2 video games
: Analyzes how battle passes and loot boxes have shifted the industry from "one-time purchases" to continuous monetization, found on ResearchGate . According to 2025 research from Circana , the
: With over 18,000 listings added to Steam in 2024 alone, players are overwhelmed by choice and often stick to known quantities like Call of Duty or Madden . Academic and Industry Perspectives : With over 18,000 listings added to Steam
: Services like Xbox Game Pass allow players to access hundreds of titles without individual purchases.
does not purchase even one new title in a typical 12-month period.